GREEN BAY, Wis. – Last season, Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes played as many games on defense (two) as he spent on the injured list (three).

Just like receiver Christian WatsonStokes’ recurring hamstring injuries could be a thing of the past. After a healthy training camp, Stokes will be in the starting lineup when the Packers open their season against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night.

“Man, this is going to be so amazing,” Stokes said after packing his gear for the flight to Brazil. “I just can’t comprehend how lucky I am to be back out there, knowing what I’ve been through, knowing how much I’ve been through the last two years, it’s going to be incredible.”

Stokes was a first-round pick in 2021 and his sophomore season ended with a foot injury that required surgery. That injury led to hamstring problems last year that prevented him from making the 53-man roster twice.

This year, Stokes has participated in every practice, from OTAs and minicamp in May and June to training camp in July and August.

“Yeah, it was good. It was a good camp — a great camp — good OTAs, everything, so I really can’t complain,” Stokes said. “I was out there, that’s the main focus, just making sure I didn’t miss anything, like not a day.”

Back home in Georgia, Stokes has started a new workout routine in the offseason, incorporating some of these drills into his pre-practice routine. Thanks to these new drills and the calisthenics of new strength and conditioning coordinator Aaron Hill, Stokes is healthy, quick and confident heading into the opener against one of the NFL’s best offensive teams.

“Hey, I still feel like I can beat anyone here (in a race),” Stokes said. “If someone wants to challenge that, they can. But my speed, I never lose faith in that.”

Two years ago, the Packers thought they had a budding star at cornerback. Despite having only one interception, Stokes delivered an outstanding rookie season that landed him on the All-Rookie selection.

According to Pro Football Focus, 89 cornerbacks played at least 350 coverage snaps in 2021. Of that group, he ranked fifth with a 51.0 percent completion rate, 12th with a forced non-completion rate of 18.8 percent, and 23rd with a passer rating of 78.8. Among rookies, he was first in completion rate allowed, second in forced non-completion rate, and second in passer rating.

In 2022, however, his play went downhill. Out of 25 targeted passes, Stokes allowed 21 completions. He had no interceptions or passes defended. And to make matters worse, he was carted off Ford Field in the ninth game of the season with a foot injury.

In 2023, despite playing defensive snaps in only two games, he tied for the team leader with three touchdown passes allowed.

Can Stokes reach the level of his rookie year again – or even surpass it?

“Man, I feel great,” Stokes said. “When you’re dealing with Jaire (Alexander) on one side, you know the other side is coming with a lot of firepower. It just gives me more opportunity to show what I’ve got, show what I can show and all that stuff. And then, hey, everything else will fall into place.”

Throughout training camp, there were signs that Stokes was a first-round pick. Among cornerbacks, he led the team with four interceptions on the practice field.

“It’s great to see him playing football consistently, whereas last year there were a lot of ups and downs for him,” receiver Romeo Doubs said Tuesday. “I’m excited to see him back on the field playing.”

Stokes still has a lot to prove. He hasn’t intercepted a pass since Christmas 2021. The Packers declined his fifth-year option, meaning his fate as a free agent depends on what he does this season.

But that’s the big picture.

Stokes is happy. Period. He is known for his optimistic and engaging personality, but the challenging 2022 season and injury-plagued 2023 season have robbed him of the smile.

The smile is back.

Will Stokes come back too?

“It’s going to be a good feeling,” Stokes said of his start against the Eagles. “I always thank the man up there. He’s got me through so many things, so many obstacles and all that stuff. When I get back on the field on Friday, it’s going to be incredible.”

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